Liz Winter Cohen

"I never realized how wonderful making a gift like this feels," says Liz Winter Cohen of her seed grant gift in support of stem cell cancer research. She also made UNC Lineberger the beneficiary of an IRA.

Info

Liz Winter Cohen of Greensboro, N.C. is no stranger to the pain and suffering brought on by major illness. Diagnosed with MS a few years back, she has come to understand first hand the urgency of investing in promising research. The losses of her mother to colon cancer and three aunts to breast cancer strengthened Liz's resolve to make a difference.

As Liz was building a successful market research business in New York and Greensboro, she supported many MS and cancer related charities including UNC Lineberger. She reflects that none of the other groups ever called to thank her for her gifts…..except UNC Lineberger. "When I gave to UNC Lineberger the first time, a real person actually contacted me by phone to say thank you. I was shocked!" It marked the beginning of several other gifts and visits by development staff. Liz felt her philanthropy was valued and visits kept her apprised of how her gifts were being put to good use.

When it came to her estate planning Liz says: "I had given a great deal of thought to where I wanted to leave certain assets upon my death, and the research and caring that goes on at UNC Lineberger are the pieces of the cancer puzzle that are vitally important to me. It was abundantly clear that this would be part of my legacy so I decided to make UNC Lineberger the beneficiary of an IRA. I was happy to document my intent so UNC Lineberger could account for it."

Shortly after, Liz also decided to make a generous seed grant gift in support of stem cell cancer research. When Liz signed her pledge for the gift she became teary and exclaimed: "I guess I never realized how wonderful making a gift like this feels. Everyone should try it!"